A photographic montage and an unconventional, free-form Japanese drama brings together two films scored by Max Roach in 1964.
The pairing of these two films, both made in 1964, shows the international reach of Max Roach, and underlines his enduing influence.
This photographic montage directed by Gianni Amico is based on Roach's We Insist! Freedom Now Suite, illustrating the history of Black emancipation. Roach's compositions inspired by Oscar Brown Jr.'s poems.
Koreyoshi Kurahara's Black Sun (Kuroi taiyo) is an unconventional anti-buddy picture that follows a young Japanese jazz fanatic and a Black American GI as their relationship evolves into an absurd yet tragic cultural clash, scored by Max Roach.
Roach's music features as a backdrop to the jazz-obsessed protagonist's everyday life, and speaks to the film's director Koreyoshi Kurahara celebrated, free-form filmmaking, which captures the anger and anxieties of a generation living in the shadow of post-war Japan.
Dir. Gianni Amico, Italy, 1964, 16 min
Dir. Koreyoshi Kurahara, Japan, 1964, 95 min
Trigger warning: Please note, this screening contains racially insensitive language and imagery.
Coinciding with Charles Tolliver celebrates Max Roach @ 100, taking place at the Barbican Hall on Monday 18th November, this screening features two works which bring together cinema and the music of Max Roach.
Please note: Black Sun contains some racially insensitive language and simulated animal violence.
Black Sun is screening courtesy of Nikkatsu Productions.
Noi insistiamo. Suite per la libertà subito screening courtesy of Bologna Cinetecca.
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Cinema 2
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
